Three little pigs form spin-off act after panto success

Vicki Newman

PANTO favourites the three little pigs are returning to the stage in South Tyneside – and this time in their own show.

Chorizo, Bratwurst and Saveloy starred in the Customs House pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood, and were a hit with children and adults alike.

Now the trio will be telling their own tale with the help of Santa’s Naughty Elf writer and director, Wayne Miller.

Gareth Hunter and Luke Maddison will be back as Bratwurst and Saveloy, while newcomer Sarah Boulter, who has starred in Santa’s Naughty Elf, Wendy the Witch and Silly Simon the Sailor, will play the part of Chorizo.

Long-time pantomime favourite Steven Lee Hamilton will also be returning as the big bad wolf, and Hazel Pude will play villager Marla when the show hits the stage at the Mill Dam theatre, in South Shields.

Wayne said: “We are delighted to have Gareth, Luke and Steven back in their costumes and I’m looking forward to working with Sarah again.

“This is the Three Little Pigs as you’ve never seen them before, in a new take on an old favourite.”

The pigs are also heading out on tour to schools around the region, warning youngsters of the dangers of playing on building sites and promoting a good carbon footprint.

Gareth said: “I can’t wait to get back into my role. The pantomime was so much fun and I can’t wait to hear all the laughter from the children in the audience.”

Luke added: “Being a pig is an absolute squeal, the make-up takes a lot to do, though we were dab-hands at it by the end of the panto run.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back into my pig suit. It’s like I’ve never been away.”

The Three Little Pigs, sponsored by Gentoo, is on at the Customs House from Tuesday, February 17, to Thursday, February 19.

Tickets are £6.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, and are available from the box office on 454 1234 or by visiting the website www.customshouse.co.uk